The government has missed the mark with recently announced amendments to two regulations that impact Ontario farmers’ ability to protect their livestock from predators.Proposed regulatory changes would extend no hunting/no trapping zones for Algonquin wolves and coyotes into new areas of Ontario, and restrict the ability of farmers to protect their livestock from predators when there is an imminent risk.The economic implications for livestock producers do not seem to have been accounted for in both of the proposed amendments that apply to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and the Endangered Species Act, 2007.The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) has submitted a formal response to these proposed changes to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. We have itemized in detail, and with supporting evidence, all the red flags these changes raise for Ontario’s livestock producers. Here are highlights from OFA’s formal submission.A response period of 31 days, during busy summer months, demonstrates that regulators are not in touch with the groups impacted by proposed changes. If you really want input and feedback, consideration must be given to the audience. The short turnaround time for farmers who will be affected by the proposed ban on hunting and trapping wolves and coyotes, effectively excludes their voices from the process.But farmers’ voices should be heard. It is their livelihood that will suffer if no hunting and no trapping zones are expanded into other areas of Ontario. Compensation payments to livestock producers exceeded $1.6 million in 2015, paid out through the Ontario Wildlife Damage Compensation Program. The compensation does not, however, reflect the full value of the lost animals. Coyotes were responsible for $1.2 million of claims – a whopping 75%. Clearly, coyotes are a huge problem for livestock production in Ontario, and farmers need the ability to protect their assets.The proposed amendments make no clear distinction between Algonquin wolves and coyotes. But they are very different and should be treated differently in any regulatory changes. OFA has requested that proposed hunting and trapping bans apply only to Algonquin wolves. Including coyotes undermines the intent of the Endangered Species Act. Coyotes have an extensive range throughout southern Ontario. They have readily adapted to urban and farming surroundings, and could be consider an invasive species, not one that needs extensive protection at the expense of Ontario’s livestock industry.Ontario agriculture is the backbone of the robust food system that we all depend on, and are so fortunate to have access to. We need legislation and regulations that are developed by an inclusive, consultative process that considers and consults those whose livelihood will be directly impacted.OFA will be actively advocating for the recommendations in our full EBR submission that can be viewed at ofa.on.ca.

For more information, contact:Mark KunkelDirectorOntario Federation of Agriculture705-492-4752